Putting the â€˜goodâ€™ in goodbye

At some point in your career, you may experience work burnout or a level of job dissatisfaction that triggers thoughts of resigning.

Before making the major decision of leaving your employer, ask yourself whether you might still have the passion and enthusiasm for what you are doing.

Does your job irk you so much that you wish every day was a public holiday?

Is there anything that you or your company can do to rejuvenate your energy level?

After finding out about your intention to leave, your boss may attempt to retain you with promises of better pay or more responsibilities if he thinks you are still a valuable asset to the company.

But if you have decided that there is no turning back, it is in your best interests to leave your job peacefully and amicably. Here are four protocols worth observing:

1. Notifying your superior

Explain to your boss the reason for your resignation. Remain calm and composed during the discussion.

Do not get ensnared into an argument or start bad-mouthing your company even though you may be extremely unhappy about the way things have turned out. You never know — your paths may cross one day.

Assure your boss that you will attempt to complete as much of the work assigned to you before handing over your portfolio to the person taking over your responsibilities.

It is never a good idea to ask for an early release if the projects you are handling are on very tight deadlines.

Staying the distance will demonstrate your level of commitment and professionalism.

2. Handing over

Since you have decided to move on, prepare a detailed and easy-to-understand handover list for your successor.

Run through your responsibilities and all the outstanding tasks with your colleague to make the transition a smooth and hassle-free one.

You will not want your former colleague constantly calling you for clarification, especially if you have started a new job.

Inform your clients, vendors or business associates of your last day with the company and about who is succeeding you, to ensure continuity in their relationship with your former employer.

3. Be impartial

Avoid influencing your colleagues to resign too by voicing critical opinions and spreading rumours about the company. They will have to make up their own minds.

And if the rumours are untrue, that will not reflect very positively on your integrity.

Act impartially, fulfil all your remaining obligations to the best of your ability and leave on a high note.

4. Remain professional

Do not start coming in late for work and taking frequent breaks during your notice period. You do not wish to be a bad influence on your colleagues who are working hard on the job.

Even if you have grave grievances against the company, do not even think about sabotaging your company’s operations by removing files or trashing important information, unless you wish to have a brush with the law.

On your last day, say goodbye to the people you worked closely with; put aside your differences with your boss and thank him for the opportunity you had to work with him.

People will remember your gracious behaviour long after you have left the company. This may stand you in good stead in the future.